Get ready for a thrilling addition to the World Baseball Classic! The Dominican Republic's team is about to get even more star-studded!
With an already impressive roster, the Dominicans are set to welcome back one of their biggest stars, Juan Soto, for the 2026 Classic. Soto, the mighty slugger for the Mets, has confirmed his participation, and his presence alone is sure to ignite excitement among fans.
But here's where it gets even more intriguing: the Dominican Baseball Federation has also announced the inclusion of two other exceptional players - Luis Severino, the Athletics' starter, and Dennis Santana, a reliever for the Pirates. These additions are a huge boost to an already formidable team.
Soto's performance in the 2023 WBC was nothing short of spectacular. Despite his team's early exit, he dominated at the plate, showcasing his power with two home runs and an impressive 1.500 OPS. His 2025 season with the Mets was a testament to his consistency, with a career-high 43 home runs and a stellar .921 OPS. Soto's base-stealing prowess also came to the fore, with 38 steals, a massive leap from his previous best.
The 27-year-old will join an elite group of MLB stars, including Julio Rodríguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Ketel Marte, to name a few. Their first game in Pool D is scheduled for March 6 at 7 p.m. ET, where they'll face off against Nicaragua at loanDepot park in Miami. It's a highly anticipated matchup!
And this is the part most people miss: both Severino and Santana will be making their World Baseball Classic debuts this year. Severino, with his three-year, $67 million contract, has proven his worth with a solid 3.92 ERA over his career, including back-to-back All-Star selections with the Yankees. Santana, on the other hand, has found stability with the Pirates, recording an impressive 2.28 ERA over his last 109 appearances.
So, with these additions, the Dominican Republic's team is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with. But what do you think? Will they dominate the Classic, or is there another team you're rooting for? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions for this year's tournament!
